Accreditation

AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums undergo a thorough review that includes a detailed accreditation application as well as a multiple day on-site inspection by a team of experts from around the country.

Want to know more about how accreditation works? Read What is AZA Accreditation?

March 2008 Accreditation and Certification Results

AZA is pleased to announce the results of the Accreditation Commission hearings held in March, 2008 in Birmingham.

AZA welcomes three new accredited institutions: Georgia Aquarium (GA), Jenkinson's Aquarium (NJ), and the Natural Science Center and Animal Discovery of Greensboro (NC).

Accredited for another term were the Alexandria Zoological Park (LA), Audubon Zoo (LA), BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo (LA), Brevard Zoo (FL), El Paso Zoo (TX), Fort Worth Zoo (TX), Houston Zoo, Inc (TX), Louisville Zoological Garden (KY), Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium (FL), Ocean Park Corporation (Hong Kong), Rainforest and Aquarium at Moody Gardens (TX), Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies (TN), Sacramento Zoo (CA), San Antonio Zoological Society (TX), Seattle Aquarium (WA), Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre (BC), [see the full list of currently Accredited Institutions]

The Accreditation Commission certified for another term the White Oak Conservation Center (FL). [see the full list of currently Certified Related Facilities]

This brings the total number of AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums to 218.
[see all accredited zoos and aquariums]

Updated 2009 Accreditation Standards

New and revised accreditation standards for Veterinary Care and Research (in PDF) were approved by the AZA Board of Directors in March, 2008.

Certification Moratorium

Moratorium Placed On New Applicants For Related Facility Certification

The AZA Board of Directors has placed a temporary moratorium on accepting new applicants for the category of Related Facility, effective immediately. The Accreditation Commission is in the process of examining the Related Facility category in terms of definition, focus, and alignment with AZA's mission statement and brand platform. The moratorium will remain in place until any changes to the Related Facility category are approved by the AZA Board of Directors and then by the voting membership.

Currently certified Related Facilities are not affected.

Institution Status

Check these lists of accredited institutions for the expiration date of their current accreditation.

List of Currently Accredited Institutions
Includes accredited-through dates

List of Currently Certified Related Facilities
Includes certified-through dates

Accreditation Rack Cards for Visitors

Show your visitors what your AZA accreditation means! Download the Accreditation Rack Card:

Meet the Inspectors!

Our accreditation and certification processes are peer-review programs that depend upon the expertise and professionalism of volunteer experts from AZA-accredited institutions.

Meet our Accreditation Inspectors of the Year

Many thanks to all of our 2007 Accreditation Inspectors and to our Accreditation Commissioners who have served in the past.